cidb Celebrates South Africa’s Leading Women in Construction at the 2026 ERWIC Awards

The Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) honoured the country’s most outstanding women-owned construction entities, academics contractors, mentors and industry leaders at the annual Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards, held in Johannesburg on the 18th August.

The awards ceremony took place, during Women’s Month, against the backdrop of a historic milestone for South Africa, 70 years since 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in defiance of the pass laws and 30 years since 9 August was formally declared a day to honour them.Addressing guests at the ceremony, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean McPherson said he remains committed to “kick down the doors of opportunity” for women to compete and win in the open market, reporting that award entries doubled in two years to 160.

He highlighted that women currently make up 53% of beneficiaries supported by professional skills and capacity development interventions, and he reaffirmed the government’s investment of a 300 million rand construction fund to support women-owned companies.Also speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Carol Phiri was recognized for her key leadership in the oversight of industry transformation.Meanwhile, cidb CEO Bongani Dladla noted:

“These awards recognise the vision, determination and achievement of the women builders in our country, celebrating the incredible leaders whose expertise is transforming our industry and whose contributions are shaping the South Africa we will leave to future generations.”Dladla added that the theme for Women’s Day being Empowered Women Empower the Nation “could not be more fitting,” to the Awards, adding:

“Empowerment is not merely a slogan, but a site plan brought to life, a contract signed, a team inspired and a project completed.”2026 ERWIC Award WinnersThe winners of the 16 categories were:Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Women-owned Construction Entity:Grade 1: Galo Maarohanye from GVM Civils for the Renovations to Kgodisong Flea MarketGrade 2 – 4: Shai Tshiskule from Livhone Advisory Pty Ltd for the Design and Construction of Warehouse Extension and Mezzanine Office for ZF Lemförder South Africa Pty LtdGrade 5 – 6: Johanna Mokoenene from Lebohile Construction for the Naledi Development: Construction of 26 Housing UnitsGrade 7 – 9:

Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu from VEA Road Maintenence & Civils for the Emergency Reconstruction of Evaton Municipal Access RoadRural Project of the Year: Matlakala Radebe from Qualicon Construction for the Borwa Primary Healthcare Clinic Design and ConstructionInterior Design and Build Project of the Year: Rene Bengu from Rene Forbay Designs for TLS Centurion Design and Project ManagementSpecialised Project of the Year:

Mpho Bantsijang from Loago Electrical and Construction Pty Ltd for the Supply, Delivery and Construction of 2,5 km Long Diamond Mesh Security Fencing At Nongo’s Joint ProjectMentoring Entity of the Year: Sanele Ndlovu for the Magnacorp Project Managers for Learnerships, Skills Programmes, Workplace Learning Initiatives and Project-based OpportunitiesTransformation Entity of the Year:

Protilagor Laboratory and Construction for Female Participation in Technical, Managerial and Leadership RolesInnovative Entity of the Year: Sonto Cheryl Sikhakhane from Zimisele Afrika Consulting for the Langalibomvu High SchoolYouth-owned Woman Construction Entity of the Year: Ayanda Phumo from Ayanda Phumo ConsultingWoman-owned Construction Entity of the Year: Noko Ramasenya from Noleo Projects Pty LtdWoman Mentor of the Year:

Thato Mapuleng Elsie Mokhothu from RTT Africa Legacy/Thato M FoundationWomen with Disability Contractor of the Year: Katlego Charlotte Pfupa from Crystal ConstructionExceptional Woman in Construction Contributor of the Year: Tshidi Mndzebele from AvenirHoldingsAcademic Excellence in the Construction and Built Environment Sector: Xolile Nokulunga Mashwama from the Walter Sisulu UniversityChairman’s Award:

Tshidi Mndzebele from AvenirHoldingsDladla called on the industry to build on the momentum of the evening. “As we mark 70 years since that march, let us recommit to a construction sector where a woman’s success is not the exception but the expectation. Let us build an industry, and a country, worthy of the women who marched so that we could stand here freely tonight.”

In closing the event, Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala noted the importance of ensuring women receive a larger share of project opportunities, comparable to their male counterparts. He stressed that the government is playing an oversight role to ensure this growth happens and called for a recommitment to the industry where women’s success is a standard expectation.